Physics
211 Interdisciplinary Sciences Building
(831) 459-3744
http://physics.ucsc.edu
Program Description
Physics seeks to discover the fundamental regularities or “laws” that govern our universe and to apply these laws to explain the behavior of fundamental and complex systems. The same underlying principles describe the behavior of atoms, lasers, living cells, and galaxies. Physics is, therefore, at the base of all modern science and technology, and this fundamental nature can be appreciated even at an elementary level.
The Physics Department offers majors in physics, physics (astrophysics), applied physics, and physics education. These programs prepare students for graduate work in physics, astrophysics, and astronomy, for engineering and other technical positions in industry, and for careers in education. With appropriate courses in other disciplines, these majors provide excellent preparation for advanced study in technical subjects such as biology, chemistry, engineering, geophysics, and the philosophy of science. The applied physics major is excellent preparation for positions in industry directly upon graduation.
Faculty are approachable to work with students in both formal and informal settings. All undergraduate physics majors have the opportunity to work individually with a faculty member in completing the senior thesis requirement for the major.
The main areas of physics research at UCSC are the study of fundamental particles and interactions (high-energy physics), the study of condensed matter physics, astrophysics/cosmology, and biophysics.
Efforts in high-energy physics are aided by the presence of an organized research unit, the Santa Cruz Institute for Particle Physics (SCIPP). The SCIPP experimentalists play significant roles in experiments at some of the major accelerator laboratories in the world, including the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) at Stanford University and the European Council for Nuclear Research (CERN). SCIPP experimentalists have also played an important role in creating the major satellite for gamma-ray astronomy, the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, are involved in the Dark Energy Survey, and conduct a thriving particle astrophysics program detecting TeV gamma rays as part of the UC VERITAS collaboration. SCIPP theorists are active in the phenomenology of high-energy particle interactions, including dark matter models, the theory of strong and electroweak interactions, electroweak symmetry breaking and Higgs bosons, theories of supersymmetry, superstrings, and gravity. SCIPP also maintains a vigorous program in particle astrophysics, including research in high-energy astrophysics, dark matter, formation of galaxies and large-scale structure in the universe, and theories of cosmology and the very early universe. SCIPP is also home to a research program in experimental biophysics, exploiting instrumentation technologies developed in other areas of physics for the study of functional organization and development of neural systems in a variety of living organisms. In addition, there is closely related research in biomedical applications such as retinal prosthesis.
The presence of the strong astrophysics group from the Astronomy and Astrophysics Department at UCSC provides a healthy symbiosis in this area. Note that the Astronomy and Astrophysics Department does not offer an undergraduate major. UCSC is the headquarters for the University of California Observatories, which include the Lick Observatory near San Jose and the Keck Observatory in Hawaii. These provide additional opportunities for collaboration between researchers in physics and astronomy.
Condensed matter physics research at UCSC covers a range of topics including the behavior of exotic many-electron systems (for example, superconductors), the study of magnetic phase transitions, the organization of complex systems (proteins, DNA, and polymers), and the development of new electronic devices using novel materials and research in biophysics. The experimental program uses X-ray and synchrotron radiation techniques at facilities such as the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL); neutron scattering techniques at various national laboratories; and optical, X-ray, and specific heat techniques at UCSC. Undergraduate students are actively involved in several condensed matter physics laboratories.
Undergraduate Program
Undergraduate Majors
The physics, physics (astrophysics), and applied physics major programs provide a comprehensive coverage of the field and the background necessary for graduate school or industrial careers. The physics education major provides the necessary background to enter a rigorous credential program and, ultimately, a career in high school science education. Students earn a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree. The UCSC physics, physics (astrophysics), applied physics, and physics education programs begin with a four-quarter presentation of the introductory concepts of the subject, Introduction to Physics, PHYS 5ABCD. Note that the applied physics program also requires completion of a general chemistry course. In order for a student to finish the UCSC physics program in four years, it is important to start Introduction to Physics at the beginning of the first year.
This is followed by a course that provides an introduction to quantum physics and its applications, Modern Physics, PHYS 102. The programs continue with a three-quarter sequence in mathematical methods of physics, PHYS 116ABC, designed to provide the mathematics preparation necessary for most of the upper-division physics courses required for the majors. Included in the upper-division programs are two intensive laboratory courses designed to illustrate both historical experiments that were important in the development of physics, astrophysics, and applied physics, and modern experimental methods. Advanced and especially motivated students may enroll in some graduate courses with the approval of the instructor and department chair.
The senior thesis, required of all physics, physics (astrophysics), applied physics, and physics education majors at UCSC, provides the opportunity for students to apply their skills to problems of interest to them, either theoretical or experimental, usually with technical advice from a faculty member. The senior thesis may be based on the student’s original research or participation in a faculty member’s research project or a review of some particular area of physics, under the supervision of a faculty member. The senior thesis is a distinctive part of the UCSC physics major program and entails a substantial investment of both student and faculty time. The learning experience involved in the thesis, as well as the thesis itself, has proven extremely valuable to students in enhancing employment opportunities upon graduation or in gaining admission to graduate school.
The physics education major is designed to provide future K-12 physics and mathematics teachers with the necessary coursework aligned with the K-12 physics and mathematics standards necessary to pass the California Subject Matter Examinations for Teachers (CSET) in physics and mathematics. It also includes a thorough introduction to educational theory and practice including a sequence of three classroom-based internships. Students will be well prepared to enter a rigorous teaching credential program and ultimately a career in high school education. The senior comprehensive requirement involves a curriculum development project overseen by the physics/astronomy faculty, with co-supervision from CalTeach/Education faculty as needed.
Program Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes summarize the most important knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes that students are expected to develop over the course of their studies. The program learning outcomes communicate the faculty’s expectations to students, provide a framework for faculty evaluation of the curriculum based on empirical data, and help improve and measure the impact of implemented changes.
Physics, Astrophysics, and Applied Physics Majors
Program Learning Outcomes:
-
Students will demonstrate proficiency in mathematics and the mathematical concepts needed for a proper understanding of physics.
-
Students will demonstrate knowledge of classical and quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and electromagnetism.
-
Students will show that they have learned laboratory skills, enabling them to take measurements in a physics laboratory and analyze the measurements to draw valid conclusions.
-
Students will communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and will demonstrate that they can think critically and work independently while doing their senior thesis.
-
Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of various aspects of astronomy. (physics [astrophysics] major only.)
Physics Education Major
Program Learning Outcomes:
-
Students will demonstrate proficiency in mathematics at the level needed to teach in high schools.
-
Students will demonstrate proficiency in physics at the level needed to teach in high schools.
-
Students will show that they have learned laboratory skills, enabling them to take measurements in a physics laboratory and analyze the measurements to draw valid conclusions.
-
Students will communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
-
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practices of teaching science or mathematics in high schools.
Advising and Preparation for the Major
Students begin the major with MATH 19A and PHYS 5A. To enroll in PHYS 5A, students must be in a proposed major that requires the Physics 5 series. (Students who take PHYS 6A instead of PHYS 5A, and do very well in it, may contact the department chair for permission to enter the major.) Students are strongly encouraged to begin their major coursework in their first quarter. Those who start later should consult the department undergraduate adviser and http://www.physics.ucsc.edu/academics/ugrad/alternatives.html. Students who do not begin the lower-division requirements during their first year will have difficulty completing the program within four years.
The department undergraduate adviser works closely with students interested in pursuing the major to ensure that they begin the program immediately and follow the appropriate steps toward its completion.
High school students coming directly to UCSC should emphasize their mathematics preparation with the expectation that they will take calculus, MATH 19A, in their first quarter at UCSC in order to take the Physics 5 series concurrently.
Letter Grade Policy
For all students entering UCSC in fall 2009 and later, all courses used to satisfy any of the physics major requirements must be taken for a letter grade, except the programming requirement and (for the applied physics major) chemistry.
Major Qualification Policy
The Department of Physics has a qualification policy that applies to the following majors:
-
Applied physics B.S.
-
Physics (astrophysics) B.S.
-
Physics B.S.
-
Physics education B.S.
To qualify to declare any of the above majors, students must achieve a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.70 or greater in the following courses, or their equivalents:
PHYS 5A, Introductory Physics I
PHYS 5B, Introductory Physics II
PHYS 5C, Introductory Physics III
When determining qualification to declare the major:
-
All courses must be taken for a letter grade.
-
If PHYS 5A is satisfied with AP credit based on an AP examination score of 5, students may substitute a grade of A for PHYS 5A when calculating their cumulative GPA.
-
Students with two or more grades of NP, C-, D+, D, D-, or F in the policy courses are not eligible to declare even if the courses are retaken and the grades replaced.
Students who achieve a GPA of 2.66 or higher (but less than 2.70) in the three courses may declare the major if they receive a B or better in Physics 5D.
Transfer Students
The Physics Department welcomes applications from community college students who have completed the necessary coursework to transfer to our program.
To be considered for admission to UCSC as a participant in any of the physics majors, transfer students must pass equivalents of the following courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or higher:
PHYS 5A, Introductory Physics I
PHYS 5B, Introductory Physics II
PHYS 5C, Introductory Physics III
For more information on qualifying for the major as a transfer applicant, visit: http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/physics/transfer-students/transfer-admissions.html.
Students planning to transfer to UCSC from a California community college should reference assist.org to determine which courses are equivalent to these required courses.
California community college students who are prepared for their major and achieve a certain GPA may be eligible for a transfer admissions guarantee (TAG); for more information visit: http://admissions.ucsc.edu/apply/transfer-students/tag.html.
Declaration of the Major
Students may submit a petition to declare after completing the qualification policy courses. All students are required to review their academic plan with their assigned faculty mentor prior to declaring the major. For instructions on petitioning to declare, go the website http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/physics/qualifying/petition-to-declare.html. Students who are informed that they are not eligible to declare the major may appeal this decision by submitting a letter to the department chair by the later date of either 15 days from the date the notification was sent, or one week after the start of instruction during the quarter after the final relevant grade was received (generally in PHYS 5C or 5D). They also must arrange to meet with their faculty mentor. Within 15 days of receipt of the appeal, after consulting with the faculty mentor, the department chair will either finalize the denial of admission or specify further conditions for admission, and will notify the student and their college of the decision. For more information about the appeal process, see the Appeal Process website at http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/physics/qualifying/appeal-process.html.
Timely Graduation and Alternative Plans
-
In order to graduate in time, it is extremely important that students start their senior thesis as early as possible, by the summer of the junior year for 4-year students and by the beginning of the second year for transfer students. PHYS 182 is a course that teaches students effective writing in physics for the senior thesis, but it is not the point at which the thesis should be started. For further information about the senior thesis, see http://www.physics.ucsc.edu/academics/ugrad/senior_thesis.html
-
PHYS 182 is offered in the fall and winter academic terms, and may be taken in either term.
-
Students who join a major program of the Physics Department with some of the required courses completed, or have room in their program for additional courses, should consider options given in http://www.physics.ucsc.edu/academics/ugrad/options.html
-
Students who fall behind the planners should consult the undergraduate adviser and http://www.physics.ucsc.edu/academics/ugrad/alternatives.html for advice on how to minimize delays in graduation.
-
Lab courses: PHYS 133 is offered in the fall and winter terms. PHYS 134 (for physics B.S. and applied physics B.S. majors) is offered in the winter and spring terms. PHYS 135 for physics (astrophysics) B.S. majors is offered in the fall or, in some academic years depending on astronomical conditions, as a multiple-term course. PHYS 136 is an alternative to PHYS 135 that is offered in the spring term. Capacity in the lab courses is limited, and they should be taken as early as possible.
-
All the transfer major planners shown below assume that IGETC has been completed in community college, or has been partially completed and can be finished while at UCSC (including summers).
-
PHYS 116A is waived for students who have obtained a grade of B or better in a course articulated to MATH 21 and in a course articulated to MATH 24.
Physics B.S.
Requirements of the Major
Lower-Division Requirements
Calculus: MATH 19A and 19B, or 20A and 20B
Vector Calculus: MATH 23A and 23B
Introductory Physics: PHYS 5A/L, 5B/M, 5C/N, and 5D
Programming: CMPS 5J, 5P, or higher level programming course; or ASTR/EART 119 or PHYS 115; or equivalent
Upper-Division Requirements
Modern Physics: PHYS 102
Mathematical Methods: PHYS 116A, 116B, and 116C
Mechanics: PHYS 105
Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics: PHYS 110AB
Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics: PHYS 112
Intermediate and Advanced Lab: PHYS 133 and 134
Quantum Mechanics: PHYS 139A
Electives
Two courses, each 5 credits or more, chosen from upper-division elective courses offered by the Physics Department or Astronomy and Astrophysics courses 111 through 118. In some cases, one of the elective requirements may be satisfied by an approved upper-division science or engineering course.
Senior Thesis Requirement
PHYS 182 and senior thesis
Physics B.S.: Freshman Academic Plan
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
| 1st Year | MATH 19A (or 20A) PHYS 5A/L |
MATH 19B (or 20B) PHYS 5B/M |
MATH 23A PHYS 5C/N |
| 2nd Year | MATH 23B PHYS 5D |
PHYS 102 PHYS 116A |
PHYS 116B Programming Requirement |
| 3rd Year | PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 133 |
PHYS 110A PHYS 112 PHYS 134 |
PHYS 110B PHYS 139A |
| 4th Year | PHYS 182 Elective |
Elective |
Physics B.S. Transfer Academic Plan One
For students who have completed the equivalent of Physics 5D:
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
| 1st Year | MATH 23B PHYS 102 AMS 5 or 131* |
PHYS 112 PHYS 116A PHYS 133 |
Programming Requirement PHYS 116B PHYS 134 |
| 2nd Year | PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 182 |
PHYS 110A Elective |
PHYS 110B PHYS 139A Elective |
*Not required for the major, but needed in order to take PHYS 112 next term
Students who wish to do a more demanding senior thesis or seek greater flexibility in choosing electives may consider delaying graduation.
Physics B.S. Transfer Academic Plan Two
For Students who have not completed the equivalent of Physics 5D:
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
| 1st Year | MATH 23B PHYS 5D |
PHYS 102 PHYS 116A PHYS 133 |
Programming Requirement PHYS 116B PHYS 134 |
| 2nd Year | PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 182 |
PHYS 110A PHYS 112 |
PHYS 110B PHYS 139A Elective |
| 3rd Year | Elective |
Physics (Astrophysics) B.S.
Requirements of the Major
Lower-Division Requirements
Calculus: MATH 19A and 19B, or 20A and 20B
Vector Calculus: MATH 23A and 23B
Introductory Physics: PHYS 5A/L, 5B/M, 5C/N, and 5D
Programming: ASTR/EART 119 (recommended); or CMPS 5J, 5P, or higher level programming course; or PHYS 115; or equivalent
Upper-Division Requirements
Modern Physics: PHYS 102
Mathematical Methods: PHYS 116A, 116B, and 116C
Mechanics: PHYS 105
Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics: PHYS 110AB
Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics: PHYS 112
Intermediate and Advanced Lab: PHYS 133 and, PHYS 135 or 135AB or 136
Quantum Mechanics: PHYS 139AElectives
Complete three courses, each 5 credits or more, chosen from the following:
ASTR 111, Order of Magnitude Astrophysics
ASTR 112, Physics of Stars
ASTR 113, Introduction to Cosmology
ASTR 117, High Energy Astrophysics
ASTR 118, Physics of Planetary Systems
ASTR 257, Modern Astronomical Techniques
ASTR/PHYS 171, General Relativity, Black Holes, and Cosmology
PHYS 129, Nuclear and Particle Astrophysics
Senior Thesis Requirement
PHYS 182 and senior thesis
Physics (Astrophysics) B.S.: Freshman Academic Plan
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
| 1st Year | MATH 19A (or 20A) PHYS 5A/L |
MATH 19B (or 20B) PHYS 5B/M |
MATH 23A PHYS 5C/N |
| 2nd Year | MATH 23B PHYS 5D ASTR 119 |
PHYS 102 PHYS 116A |
PHYS 116B |
| 3rd Year | PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 133 |
PHYS 110A PHYS 112 Elective |
PHYS 110B PHYS 139A Elective/PHYS 136 |
| 4th Year | PHYS 182 PHYS 135/Elective |
Elective |
Physics (Astrophysics) B.S.: Transfer Academic Plan One
For students who have completed the equivalent of Physics 5D
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
| 1st Year | MATH 23B PHYS 102 ASTR 119 |
PHYS 133 PHYS 116A Elective |
PHYS 136/Elective PHYS 116B Elective |
| 2nd Year | PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 135/Elective |
PHYS 110A PHYS 112 PHYS 182 |
PHYS 110B PHYS 139A |
Students who wish to do a more demanding senior thesis or seek greater flexibility in choosing electives may consider delaying graduation.
Physics (Astrophysics) B.S.: Transfer Academic Plan Two
For students who have not completed the equivalent of Physics 5D
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
| 1st Year | MATH 23B PHYS 5D ASTR 119 |
PHYS 102 PHYS 116A PHYS 133 |
PHYS 136/Elective PHYS 116B |
| 2nd Year | PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 182/PHYS 135 |
PHYS 110A PHYS 112 Elective/PHYS 182 |
PHYS 110B Elective PHYS 139A |
| 3rd Year | Elective |
Applied Physics B.S.
Requirements of the Major
Lower-Division Requirements
Calculus: MATH 19A and 19B, or 20A and 20B
Vector Calculus: MATH 23A and 23B
Introductory Physics: PHYS 5A/L, 5B/M, 5C/N, and 5D
General Chemistry: CHEM 1A or 1B
Programming: CMPS 5J, 5P, or higher level programming course; or ASTR/EART 119 or PHYS 115; or equivalent
Upper-Division Requirements
Modern Physics: PHYS 102
Mathematical Methods: PHYS 116A, 116B, and 116C
Mechanics: PHYS 105
Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics: PHYS 110AB
Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics: PHYS 112
Intermediate and Advanced Lab: PHYS 133 and 134
Electives
Complete three courses, each 5 credits or more, chosen from the following
PHYS/AMS 107, Introduction to Fluid Dynamics
PHYS 115, Computational Physics
PHYS 120, Polymer Physics
PHYS 139A, Quantum Physics
PHYS 139B, Quantum Physics
PHYS 152, Optoelectronics
PHYS 155, Solid State Physics
PHYS 156, Applications of Solid State Physics
PHYS 160, Practical Electronics
PHYS 180, Biophysics
Courses from other departments listed at http://www.physics.ucsc.edu/academics/ugrad/approved_electives.html. (Other courses with approval of undergraduate faculty adviser)
Senior Thesis Requirement
PHYS 182 and senior thesis
Applied Physics B.S.: Freshman Academic Plan
Plan 1: For students who place into MATH 19A or MATH 20A.
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
| 1st Year | MATH 19A or 20A PHYS 5A/L |
MATH 19B or 20B PHYS 5B/M |
MATH 23A PHYS 5C/N CHEM 1A/B |
| 2nd Year | MATH 23B PHYS 5D |
PHYS 102 PHYS 116A |
Programming requirement PHYS 116B |
| 3rd Year | PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 133 |
PHYS 110A PHYS 112 PHYS 134 |
PHYS 110B Elective |
| 4th Year | PHYS 182 Elective |
Elective |
Applied Physics B.S.: Transfer Academic Plan One
For students who have completed the equivalent of Physics 5D:
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
| 1st Year | MATH 23B PHYS 102 CHEM 1A/B |
PHYS 133 PHYS 116A Elective |
PHYS 134 PHYS 116B Programming requirement |
| 2nd Year | PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 182 |
PHYS 110A PHYS 112 |
PHYS 110B Elective Elective |
Students who wish to do a more demanding senior thesis or seek greater flexibility in choosing electives may consider delaying graduation.
Applied Physics B.S.: Transfer Academic Plan Two
For students who have not completed the equivalent of Physics 5D:
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
| 1st Year | MATH 23B PHYS 5D CHEM 1A/B |
PHYS 102 PHYS 116A PHYS 133 |
Programming requirement PHYS 116B PHYS 134 |
| 2nd Year | PHYS 105 PHYS 116C PHYS 182 |
PHYS 110A PHYS 112 |
PHYS 110B Elective Elective |
| 3rd Year | Elective |
Physics Education B.S.
Requirements of the Major
Lower-Division Requirements
Calculus: MATH 19A and 19B, or 20A and 20B
Vector Calculus: MATH 23A and 23B
Introductory Physics: PHYS 5A/L, 5B/M, 5C/N, and 5D
CAL Teach: EDUC 50B or 50C
Statistics: AMS 5 or 7
Astronomy: ASTR 12 or 13
Upper-Division Requirements
Modern Physics: PHYS 102
Intermediate and Advanced Lab: PHYS 133, and PHYS 134 or 135
Proofs in Mathematics: MATH 100
Geometry: MATH 128A
History of Mathematics: MATH 181
CAL Teach: EDUC 100B or 100C, 185L
Teaching math/science: EDUC 185B or 185C
Diversity: EDUC 140, 177 or 181, or similar course by approval of the Undergraduate Faculty Advisor
Electives
One 5-credit upper-division physics, astronomy, mathematics, or education, or other courses with approval of the undergraduate faculty adviser
Senior Thesis Requirement
PHYS 182 and senior thesis
Physics Education B.S.: Freshman Academic Plans
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
| 1st Year | MATH 19A or 20A PHYS 5A/L |
MATH 19B or 20B PHYS 5B/M |
MATH 23A PHYS 5C/N |
| 2nd Year | EDUC 50B or 50C MATH 23B PHYS 5D |
MATH 100 PHYS 102 |
EDUC 100B or 100C AMS 5 or 7 |
| 3rd Year | ASTR 12 or 13 Science Elective |
EDUC 185B/L or 185C/L PHYS 133 |
MATH 128A PHYS 134 |
| 4th Year | PHYS 182 | MATH 181 | EDUC Diversity Elective |
Programming Requirement
Students in the Physics B.S., Physics (Astrophysics) B.S., and Applied Physics B.S. majors have to satisfy a computer programming requirement by taking one of the courses listed in the major requirements given above. Of these courses, ASTR/EART 119 teaches programming and simple applications. PHYS 115 does not teach programming; it assumes basic programming ability in C, C++ or a similar language and discusses numerical techniques relevant to physics. The other courses listed teach programming. Students may also satisfy the computer programming requirement by demonstrating their knowledge of programming to a faculty member designated by the Physics Department. For instructions on how to demonstrate your programming skills, go to http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/physics/completing-the-major/programming.html.
Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement
Students of every major must satisfy the upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. Students in Physics, Applied Physics, Physics (Astrophysics), and Physics Education satisfy the DC requirement by completing Physics 182 and the senior thesis.
Comprehensive Requirement
The comprehensive exit requirement is normally satisfied by the submission and approval of a thesis. To satisfy the comprehensive requirement via a thesis Physics 182 is required.
In special cases, minor modifications of these requirements may be granted to suit the specific program of a particular student. Before embarking on a program needing such waivers, students should discuss their plans with their faculty mentor and seek approval by petition from the Physics Department office.
Honors
The department awards "honors" (3.5 grade point average or better) and "highest honors"(3.8 grade point average or better) to top graduating students each year. Recommendations for these awards are made by the department chair and are based upon excellence of academic performance, particularly in upper-division physics courses, as reflected in grades and the narrative evaluations. The department also awards "honors" for outstanding work on the senior thesis, made upon the recommendation of the senior thesis supervisor and the thesis technical adviser.
Minor Requirements
Requirements for the minor in physics include Physics 5A/L, 5B/M, 5C/N, and 5D (or Physics 6A/L, 6B/M, 6C/N with minimum GPA of 3.5); Mathematics 19A or 20A, 19B or 20B, 23A, and 23B; Physics 102, 133, and 134; and three courses chosen from physics upper-division elective (some of which have prerequisites), or from a list of courses from other departments approved by the physics undergraduate faculty adviser. For more information, see the minor website at http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/physics/physics-minor.html.
Graduate Programs
The Physics Department offers graduate programs leading to the master of science (M.S.) and/or the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. In the first year of study, Ph.D. students are expected to take two core graduate-level courses per quarter, including the courses required for the Ph.D. degree (210, 212, 214, 215, 216, 219) and other courses specific to the student’s field of interest. All first-year students also take 205, Introduction to Research. All graduate students also attend a weekly colloquium, 292. Each student has a faculty adviser who helps to determine which courses are most appropriate, taking into account the student’s background and interests. The student-faculty ratio is low so that M.S. and Ph.D. students can work closely with faculty and pursue programs that fit their individual needs. Research is currently conducted in theoretical and experimental particle physics, theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics (including materials physics and biophysics), and in theoretical and experimental/observational high-energy astrophysics (including cosmology). After passing a written qualifying examination, Ph.D. students pursue independent research leading to an oral examination and completion of a doctoral dissertation.
Students may obtain a master’s degree through coursework (eight physics graduate courses) and submission of an approved thesis. The thesis requirement may be waived by passing four sections of the written Ph.D. qualifying examination. Master’s candidates are encouraged to write a research thesis and may do so in any of the research fields in the program, thereby developing laboratory and computational skills in areas such as electronics design, computer simulation and visualization, cryogenics, X-ray scattering, complex novel materials and devices, or materials science. Each M.S. student is assigned a faculty adviser who helps to design a coursework plan suited to the interests of the student.
Physics students and faculty use a number of UCSC research facilities (described at the beginning of this section and elsewhere in this catalog): the Santa Cruz Institute for Particle Physics (SCIPP) and Lick Observatory (headquartered at UCSC). There is strong interaction with other disciplines, especially astronomy and astrophysics, biology, chemistry, Earth sciences, electrical engineering, and mathematics. Proximity to the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center and the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory provides additional local research opportunities. UCSC faculty and graduate students also participate in research programs at CERN in Geneva, Los Alamos, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, NASA Ames, NREL, Lucent, Xerox, IBM, Bell Labs, and other national and international laboratories.
Application materials and brochures describing the physics M.S. and Ph.D. graduate programs in more detail may be obtained by visiting our website at http://physics.ucsc.edu/ or by contacting the Division of Graduate Studies at http://graddiv.ucsc.edu.
Five-year B.S./M.S. program
The five-year combined B.S./M.S. in physics program provides highly motivated undergraduate majors the opportunity to earn a M.S. degree in five years. The program provides the additional level of preparation and experience that students need to pursue careers in industry and government. Students in the B.S./M.S. physics program can pursue concentrations in materials and device physics, energy and the environment, computational physics, and medical biophysics. Students apply to be admitted to the B.S./M.S. program, in consultation with their faculty or undergraduate advisor, no later than the end of the second quarter of the junior year. They should contact the Physics Department office for instructions on how to apply: they will work with the B.S./M.S. Faculty Coordinator to prepare the application, which is then reviewed by the department. Students will also go through the regular campus M.S. application process in their senior year.
To be accepted to the program, students will need to have demonstrated solid performance in general and in the major, as demonstrated by: 1) a G.P.A. in physics courses of at least 3.0; 2) an overall G.P.A .of at least 3.0; and 3) a recommendation from a faculty member attesting to the student’s promise for the M.S. degree in physics.
Requirements for the B.S./M.S. Program
-
All requirements for a B.S. in physics, applied physics, or physics (astrophysics), apply, except the two upper division elective courses, which are satisfied by the M.S. electives listed below taken as an undergraduate (The five-year B.S./M.S. program is not suitable for physics education majors.)
-
For the M.S. component of the B.S./M.S. a core set of four physics courses: PHYS 212, PHYS 215, PHYS 216 and PHYS 219.
-
Four elective courses, chosen from one of the concentration areas described below. Typically, at least one of these electives will be another physics graduate course. One of the electives can be an upper division undergraduate course if approved by the B.S./M.S. faculty coordinator and the Physics Department Graduate Committee.
-
A M.S. thesis, which may build on the student’s B.S. senior thesis.
-
Courses can also serve to fulfill the elective requirement for the B.S. degree.
Concentration Areas
Materials and Device Physics
This concentration prepares students who are interested in pursuing industrial jobs in the areas of materials science, semiconductors, and optoelectronic devices.
Elective courses include AMS 205A, CHEM 261, CHEM 269, CE 218, CE 218L, EE 211, EE 223, EE 224 EE 225, EE 231, PHYS 231, PHYS 232, PHYS 233, PHYS 242.
Energy and the Environment
This concentration prepares students who are interested in pursuing industrial or government jobs in the areas of sustainable-energy technologies, environmental and climate change and scientific policy related to these areas.
Elective courses include CHEM 268, CHEM 269, EPS 220, EPS 254, EPS 272, EPS 280D, ECON 250, ECON 259B, ENVS 271, PHYS 233, PHYS 242.
Computational Physics
This concentration prepares students who are interested in pursuing industrial or government jobs in the areas related to using computational methods to solve applied problems as well as computer‐based visualization methods for data presentation. Students interested in computational methods in biology could also consider the concentration in medical biophysics.
Elective courses include AMS 215, BMSE 205, BMSE 211, BMSE 230, BMSE 203L, CHEM 265, CE 215, CS 203, CS 210, CS 211, CS 240, CS 261, PHYS 242.
Medical BioPhysics
This concentration prepares students who are interested in pursuing industrial and hospital jobs in the areas of medical technology, biomolecular engineering, and biophysics.
Elective courses include AMS 215, BMSE/CHEM 255, BMSE 205, BMSE 215, BMSE 220, BMSE 220L, BMSE 222, BMSE 230, BMSE 203L, BMSE 250, BMSE 250L, CHEM 200A, EE 212, MCDB 200B, PHYS 180.
Course Schedule
|
Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
|
4th |
Elective* |
Elective* |
PHYS 219 |
|
Elective* |
|||
|
5th |
PHYS 212 |
PHYS 215 |
PHYS 216 |
| Elective* | Elective* | Elective* | |
|
Thesis |
Thesis |
Thesis |
*Alternate quarters for completing the four electives
Students are recommended to start their M.S. thesis (which may build upon their already completed senior thesis) during the summer at the end of their fourth year.
The above course schedule is designed to dovetail with the freshman academic plans shown earlier. Transfer students who finish the requirements for the B.S. in two years have very little room in their schedule for the senior year, and therefore may take longer than one post baccalaureate year to complete the additional requirements for the B.S./M.S. degree.
Revised: 09/01/16
